Help with first PC build

[jonathan_b]

Hi.

I intend to build a PC for around £700 that I can use mainly for gaming, a small amount of photo-editing and also for simple stuff like word processing. I've never built a PC before though and so would therefore like a bit of help.

I was thinking of doing something like this:

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor (£139.00 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£59.00 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory (£60.77 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk (£68.88 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate SV35.5 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£72.50 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card (£135.90 @ Amazon UK)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter (£25.98 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Zalman Z12 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case (£59.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£36.68 @ Amazon UK)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer (£12.99 @ Amazon UK)
Card Reader: Akasa Internal Card Reader (£7.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £680.67

Please give me your opinions on this build (and if it will even work) as I really don't want to get it wrong!

Also, If I connect the video card to a TV using an HDMI cable, will I get sound on the TV from the computer? I apologise if the question has already been answered; I was not sure whether the answer is the same regardless of the motherboard/video card used.

Finally, are there any tools that I will need other than philips head screwdrivers?

Thank you very much!

 

[pit_1209]

That´s a nice build and yes you will have sound from your pc to the tv.

EDIT: Can you strecth it a little more for R9 270 that´s better than the gtx 660.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-256-Bit-DDR5-PCI-E-Graphics/dp/B00GNE0CHI/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388341186&sr=8-12&keywords=r9+270

 

[Scremin34Egl]

Do you prefer to only buy from amazon or can you buy elsewhere?, because you can get certain things cheaper from other online stores in the UK of course

You will get sound from the hdmi cable. They are one universal cable unlike your av cables, which usually have the audio separately

Your most important tool would be your screwdriver and some thermal grease for your cpu, don't think you would need anything else. But make sure you have clean hands when handling your components, preferably use gloves

 

[jonathan_b]

That´s a nice build and yes you will have sound from your pc to the tv.

EDIT: Can you strecth it a little more for R9 270 that´s better than the gtx 660.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-256-Bit-DDR5-PCI-E-Graphics/dp/B00GNE0CHI/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388341186&sr=8-12&keywords=r9+270

Thanks for the answer regarding HDMI. In terms of the graphics card, I could stretch to the R9 270, although I would prefer to buy directly from Amazon rather than a third party company. I could spend up to about £200 on a graphics card if it's really going to make a big difference.

 

[Scremin34Egl]

That´s a nice build and yes you will have sound from your pc to the tv.

EDIT: Can you strecth it a little more for R9 270 that´s better than the gtx 660.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-256-Bit-DDR5-PCI-E-Graphics/dp/B00GNE0CHI/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388341186&sr=8-12&keywords=r9+270

Thanks for the answer regarding HDMI. In terms of the graphics card, I could stretch to the R9 270, although I would prefer to buy directly from Amazon rather than a third party company. I could spend up to about £200 on a graphics card if it's really going to make a big difference.

On average the 270 is significantly faster than the 660 for only about £10 more which I think is worth the extra cash
The gigabyte card, the one pit_1209 suggested, is great for the price and I think you should go for it

 

[jonathan_b]

Do you prefer to only buy from amazon or can you buy elsewhere?, because you can get certain things cheaper from other online stores in the UK of course

You will get sound from the hdmi cable. They are one universal cable unlike your av cables, which usually have the audio separately

Your most important tool would be your screwdriver and some thermal grease for your cpu, don't think you would need anything else. But make sure you have clean hands when handling your components, preferably use gloves

Thanks for the answer. I would prefer to buy from Amazon as their customer service is very good and for that I don't mind paying a bit more. Thanks for the advice about the tools. If I don't have a CPU heatsink would I still need thermal grease?

 

[jonathan_b]

That´s a nice build and yes you will have sound from your pc to the tv.

EDIT: Can you strecth it a little more for R9 270 that´s better than the gtx 660.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-256-Bit-DDR5-PCI-E-Graphics/dp/B00GNE0CHI/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388341186&sr=8-12&keywords=r9+270

Thanks for the answer regarding HDMI. In terms of the graphics card, I could stretch to the R9 270, although I would prefer to buy directly from Amazon rather than a third party company. I could spend up to about £200 on a graphics card if it's really going to make a big difference.

On average the 270 is significantly faster than the 660 for only about £10 more which I think is worth the extra cash
The gigabyte card, the one pit_1209 suggested, is great for the price and I think you should go for it

Would http:// this one be alright?

 

[pit_1209]

That´s a nice build and yes you will have sound from your pc to the tv.

EDIT: Can you strecth it a little more for R9 270 that´s better than the gtx 660.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-256-Bit-DDR5-PCI-E-Graphics/dp/B00GNE0CHI/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388341186&sr=8-12&keywords=r9+270

Thanks for the answer regarding HDMI. In terms of the graphics card, I could stretch to the R9 270, although I would prefer to buy directly from Amazon rather than a third party company. I could spend up to about £200 on a graphics card if it's really going to make a big difference.

On average the 270 is significantly faster than the 660 for only about £10 more which I think is worth the extra cash
The gigabyte card, the one pit_1209 suggested, is great for the price and I think you should go for it

Would http:// this one be alright?

That was the first one I was going to recommend but didn´t know if you could go for it and you must need a cpu heatsink, if you´re wondering a good thermal paste go with the mx-4, non conductive and no curing time.

The hyper 212 evo is one of the best budget cooler if you dont have one, it come with thermal paste but the mx is way better.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-Hyper-212-120mm/dp/B0068OI7T8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388350932&sr=8-1&keywords=212+evo

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-Cooling-MX-4-Thermal-Compound/dp/B0045JCFLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388350939&sr=8-1&keywords=mx-4

 

[jonathan_b]

That´s a nice build and yes you will have sound from your pc to the tv.

EDIT: Can you strecth it a little more for R9 270 that´s better than the gtx 660.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-256-Bit-DDR5-PCI-E-Graphics/dp/B00GNE0CHI/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388341186&sr=8-12&keywords=r9+270

Thanks for the answer regarding HDMI. In terms of the graphics card, I could stretch to the R9 270, although I would prefer to buy directly from Amazon rather than a third party company. I could spend up to about £200 on a graphics card if it's really going to make a big difference.

On average the 270 is significantly faster than the 660 for only about £10 more which I think is worth the extra cash
The gigabyte card, the one pit_1209 suggested, is great for the price and I think you should go for it

Would http:// this one be alright?

That was the first one I was going to recommend but didn´t know if you could go for it and you must need a cpu heatsink, if you´re wondering a good thermal paste go with the mx-4, non conductive and no curing time.

The hyper 212 evo is one of the best budget cooler if you dont have one, it come with thermal paste but the mx is way better.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-Hyper-212-120mm/dp/B0068OI7T8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388350932&sr=8-1&keywords=212+evo

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-Cooling-MX-4-Thermal-Compound/dp/B0045JCFLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388350939&sr=8-1&keywords=mx-4

Thanks - I think I'll go with that then.

Just to double check; do you mean that I need a CPU cooler anyway or just if I have that graphics card?

 

[pit_1209]

Well, an aftermarket cooler is good to have, is quieter, the cpu runs cooler but is not a must unless you´re overclocking, your gpu doesn´t matter with that.

 

[jonathan_b]

Well, an aftermarket cooler is good to have, is quieter, the cpu runs cooler but is not a must unless you´re overclocking, your gpu doesn´t matter with that.

Okay that's cool. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Willmo]

If you want to buy parts for a bit cheaper, check out http://www.cclonline.com/ they sell parts for a bit cheaper, however I don't know about your parts

 

[jonathan_b]

If you want to buy parts for a bit cheaper, check out http://www.cclonline.com/ they sell parts for a bit cheaper, however I don't know about your parts

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'll stick to Amazon though.

 

[jonathan_b]

Also, would the Corsair CX 430W PSU be good enough for this build or should I go for the 500W version?

 

[pit_1209]

Also, would the Corsair CX 430W PSU be good enough for this build or should I go for the 500W version?

I would go for the 500w for a better upgradability but talking about that can you stretch a little bit and get a much better psu, that one is fine but remember that the psu is the most important part of your build.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-X-650-module-ATX12V-Supply/dp/B002VA7RPS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388422072&sr=8-2&keywords=seasonic+x

or on a budget
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-S12II-520-ATX12V-Standard-Supply/dp/B00390P1NO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388422086&sr=8-1&keywords=seasonic+s12

 

[jonathan_b]

Also, would the Corsair CX 430W PSU be good enough for this build or should I go for the 500W version?

I would go for the 500w for a better upgradability but talking about that can you stretch a little bit and get a much better psu, that one is fine but remember that the psu is the most important part of your build.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-X-650-module-ATX12V-Supply/dp/B002VA7RPS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388422072&sr=8-2&keywords=seasonic+x

or on a budget
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-S12II-520-ATX12V-Standard-Supply/dp/B00390P1NO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388422086&sr=8-1&keywords=seasonic+s12

I'll go for the second one that you suggested. Thanks.

 

[sora]

+1 to pit_1209's suggestion, SeaSonic = HQ PSUs!

 

[bobbydragon8]

Dont listen to him the GTX 660 is better. But what is budget if your going for a higher end I recommend the GTX 700 series. Any cases you have in mind

 

[pit_1209]

Dont listen to him the GTX 660 is better. But what is budget if your going for a higher end I recommend the GTX 700 series. Any cases you have in mind

You better go and read before talking nonsense without proof.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_r9_270_review,21.html

In almost every game is better, even on bf4 a nvidia game.

 

[bobbydragon8]

Okay here is your proof
The 270x
Core Clock 1030MHz
Boost Clock 1120MHZ
Eff. Memory Clock 5600MHz
Memory Interface 256 bit



EVGA 660
Core Clock 1046GHz
Boost Clock 1111GHz
Eff. Memory Clock 6008MHz
Memory Interface 192-bit

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127761
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130826

Now as you can see the MSI beats the GTX in Boost clock and memory interface and the rest is beaten by the GTX. For this price range since he is spending close to $1000 I recommend go with the GTX a cheaper one and spend more on a good intel processor and motherboard

 

[pit_1209]

Okay here is your proof
The 270x
Core Clock 1030MHz
Boost Clock 1120MHZ
Eff. Memory Clock 5600MHz
Memory Interface 256 bit



EVGA 660
Core Clock 1046GHz
Boost Clock 1111GHz
Eff. Memory Clock 6008MHz
Memory Interface 192-bit

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127761
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130826

Now as you can see the MSI beats the GTX in Boost clock and memory interface and the rest is beaten by the GTX. For this price range since he is spending close to $1000 I recommend go with the GTX a cheaper one and spend more on a good intel processor and motherboard

I suggest you should spend a little more time here in tom´s reading articles kid, the r9 270 is the choice for your money here.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-4.html

 

[jonathan_b]

Calm down, I'm the one who's 14!

Anyway, I want to ideally spend about £150 on a video card. I don't know loads about them though so I do appreciate your suggestions.

I am also considering going with an Intel i5 4430 instead of the FX-8350 because, from what I have heard, they are better for gaming. I would probably go with the Gigabyte H87M-D3H motherboard.

I am still open to suggestions.

 

[pit_1209]

The AMD will give OC headroom and is about equal to that i5 but better in multithreading, you could get a better motherboard also, sometimes the amd ones are cheaper.
This is a much better mobo for the same price.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-SKT-AM3-990XA-UD3-Motherboard-Rev/dp/B005519X6Q/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1388541140&sr=8-14&keywords=motherboard+am3%2B